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http://nerdywithchildren.com/painting-ideas-for-beginners-by-age/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=painting-ideas-for-beginners-by-age

Add some color into your kid’s life with our list of the best painting ideas for beginners!

Close-Up of a Multicolor Paint Tray photo

Hello all, I’m back once again, and this time I bring you even more interesting goodies. Time to talk about painting ideas for beginners and that means it’s time to break out your brushes and paints. This list covers simple ideas for toddlers and kids to detailed ideas aimed at teens and up. Never painted before? Don’t let that intimidate you! I promise there’s nothing to be scared of, well besides getting messy. But that’s all part of the fun!

Need some recommendations for paint supplies, or perhaps you adore Bob Ross as much as we do? Then, be sure to check out our Bob Ross starter kit list for everything you need to get painting.

Okay, got everything? Great, let’s get to it!

Painting Ideas for Toddlers

Painting Ideas for Beginners: Paw Patrol Figurine Craft Kit photo

Paw Patrol Craft Figurines

To start off our list of painting ideas for beginners, we have this kit of Paw Patrol figures. When my cousin was little, her obsession with Paw Patrol was too real! Everyday for hours and hours on end she’d watch it. It made me seriously wonder if that was the only show that was on. So, seeing this brought a nostalgic tear to my eye. I feel, if she’d seen this, she would have asked for them, and I would have had a beautiful bonding moment to share with her. But, alas, I missed out. Don’t you miss out though! Get this and have your own bonding moment!

Star Wars: The Mandalorian Canvas in Box photo

The Mandalorian Canvas Activity Set

As we know, Star Wars has lived in the hearts of fans for decades, and of course for some that means their kids have to be obsessed too. For a fun way to introduce your little Jedi to Star Wars, start by letting them paint the adorable Baby Yoda! Plus, the little easel it comes with is simply precious.

Spider-Man & Avengers Paint with Water Books for Kids (set of 2) image

Spider-Man & Avengers 2-Pack

As someone who’s still living off the rush and excitement of No Way Home, I know I’m not the only one who needs more Spidey in their lives. Further, this 2-pack comes with the chibi-style Avengers art to paint! Blame it on my obsession with anime but chibi art makes my heart swoon. I mean, tiny Vision is just SO precious. Most importantly, you paint these using only water which means hours of easy, mess-free fun!

Mario Paint and Sticker Set image

Mario Paint Set & More

I’m gonna go way off topic for a second but bare with me. So, is it wrong that my favorite part of this isn’t even the paint or the paint sheets (which are great!), but the lovely assortment of stickers that comes with it? I know that’s not the topic for today but still they’re really lovely. And, hey, that means extra ways to jazz up the paint sheets! Hard to be mad about that.

Painting Ideas for Beginners: Watercolor Wonders Painting Kit photo

Watercolor Wonders

How about we talk about something magical now. First, Watercolor Wonders comes with everything you need to begin your child’s journey with painting. That means, 7 colors of paint, a premium paintbrush, pages and pages of art. Second, and here’s the magical part, blank spaces on the pages, when painted over, reveal invisible ink art! Making for a fun and surprising good time.

Ideas for Kids

Lisa Frank Paint with Water Book Cover and Page Examples image

Lisa Frank: Paint w/ Water Book

As someone who grew up in the 2000’s and was pretty much obsessed with every facet of Lisa Frank’s existence (I’m talking folders, pencil cases, and stickers galore), seeing this took me straight back to my childhood. With this be careful, take your time, and use gentle brushstrokes; don’t be me! Too much water at once can make your painting a sloppy gray disaster.

Simba DIY Funko Pop in Box photo

Simba DIY Funko Pop

I’ve been seeing these types of Funko Pops for a while. Mind you, they have actually a whole set of these beauties and a pretty decent range too. Also, not all of them are Disney characters, like good ol’ Simba here. There’s also the Sanrio icon herself Hello Kitty. Truly, I think what’s good about these is that they’re simple yet full of possibility. Which I’ll discuss again in a moment. So keep up, it’s just getting good!

Batman DIY Half-Mask photo

Batman DIY Half-Mask

As a Batman stan, every time the caped crusader comes into my life, in any shape or form, I get so happy. Much like the Funko above, how you decorate this is entirely up to you. Follow whatever vision you see fit because the pssibilities are limited only by your imagination. Or to be super cheesy about it: “Holy paint splatters, Batman, this makes a fun afternoon activity!”

Painting Ideas for Beginners: Avengers Paint by Numbers Kit Box photo

Avengers Paint-by-Numbers Kit

You may have noticed that I have two Avengers items on this list. Don’t judge me, judge the MCU for making me love them so much! Besides, I love the fact this comes with not only detailed art but instructions on the various shading and color mixing techniques needed to help make your project look amazing. When you’re done, you and your kids can hang it up, and say, “Hey we did that!” 

Bob Ross By the Numbers Min Canvas Kit Box and Contents photo

Bob Ross Minis

No list of painting ideas for beginners would be complete without the icon himself, one of the most soothing artists ever, the OG of ASMR, Bob Ross. Remember, it’s okay to make happy accidents and to always be gentle with your strokes. I know you might get a little excited wanting to see the picture come together, but it’s important to take your time. Enjoy the process, and if you make a mistake, it’s nothing freak out about. Have fun! 

Ideas for Teens

Painting Ideas for Beginners: Disney Princesses Paint by Numbers Kit Contents photo

Disney Princesses Paint-by-Numbers

I’ve voiced this in the past, but I have such  unbreakable love for the Disney princesses. And I’ll go live on that hill forever! Which is why when I saw this, I was taken aback. It’s stunning, and I’m absolutely drooling over the stained glass window look. Perfection! It works so well and makes for a nice calming paint-by-numbers concept. To be honest, I find it therapeutic. 

Painting Ideas for Beginners: DIY Funko Pop Figure Male in Box photo

Blank Slate DIY Funko Pop

I told you’d we’d be talking about these lovelies again. Now, the possibility isn’t limited to a pre-made design. First, check out the female version here, if your prefer. I’ve seen so many people take these figures and turn them into amazing figures. If you’re willing, branch out into clay sculpting for hair and any other details you want to add. That will obviously add new layers of depth to your creation. To be clear, this requires more than a few simple coats of paint. For sculpting, check out this YouTube tutorial to grab some tips

Todoroki Shoto Paint by Number Kit Contents photo

Todoroki Shoto

I’ve been seeing this type of glass painting everywhere lately, especially among the anime community. So, it felt right to add it to the list. At this point, I feel like fate is telling me to just try it and see. I mean, I guess I could mess it up, but at least this kit comes with tips and tricks to make it easier to do right. Want a more in depth look at the process? Check out this YouTube tutorial.

Painting Ideas for Beginners: Totoro Paint by Numbers Kit Contents and Completed Painting Example photo

Totoro Paint-by-Numbers Canvas

It doesn’t need to be said that Studio Ghibli is and will forever remain an iconic animation studio. The movies they create live in my heart, and every time someone celebrates this in any shape or form, I feel such a sense of joy—whether that be official merch, fan merch, fan art, or, now, paint-by-numbers. Personally, this is on my pick-up list. Maybe, it’s Haku in his dragon form snuggling Totoro that does it for me. 

Painting Ideas for Beginners: Postmodern Paint by Numbers Darth Vader photo

Postmodern Paint-by-Numbers Darth Vader

Finally, on our list of Painting Ideas for Beginners, it’s time to show the original space daddy some love. Not only is this painting eye-catching, but believe it or not, it’s also paint-by-numbers! Further, it comes with all the paints and brushes you need to knock this painting out of our galaxy and into a galaxy far, far away. So, give into your feelings, reach out with the Force, and get this today!

The post Painting Ideas for Beginners by Age appeared first on Nerdy With Children.

March 8, 2022

Painting Ideas for Beginners by Age

http://nerdywithchildren.com/painting-ideas-for-beginners-by-age/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=painting-ideas-for-beginners-by-age

Add some color into your kid’s life with our list of the best painting ideas for beginners!

Close-Up of a Multicolor Paint Tray photo

Hello all, I’m back once again, and this time I bring you even more interesting goodies. Time to talk about painting ideas for beginners and that means it’s time to break out your brushes and paints. This list covers simple ideas for toddlers and kids to detailed ideas aimed at teens and up. Never painted before? Don’t let that intimidate you! I promise there’s nothing to be scared of, well besides getting messy. But that’s all part of the fun!

Need some recommendations for paint supplies, or perhaps you adore Bob Ross as much as we do? Then, be sure to check out our Bob Ross starter kit list for everything you need to get painting.

Okay, got everything? Great, let’s get to it!

Painting Ideas for Toddlers

Painting Ideas for Beginners: Paw Patrol Figurine Craft Kit photo

Paw Patrol Craft Figurines

To start off our list of painting ideas for beginners, we have this kit of Paw Patrol figures. When my cousin was little, her obsession with Paw Patrol was too real! Everyday for hours and hours on end she’d watch it. It made me seriously wonder if that was the only show that was on. So, seeing this brought a nostalgic tear to my eye. I feel, if she’d seen this, she would have asked for them, and I would have had a beautiful bonding moment to share with her. But, alas, I missed out. Don’t you miss out though! Get this and have your own bonding moment!

Star Wars: The Mandalorian Canvas in Box photo

The Mandalorian Canvas Activity Set

As we know, Star Wars has lived in the hearts of fans for decades, and of course for some that means their kids have to be obsessed too. For a fun way to introduce your little Jedi to Star Wars, start by letting them paint the adorable Baby Yoda! Plus, the little easel it comes with is simply precious.

Spider-Man & Avengers Paint with Water Books for Kids (set of 2) image

Spider-Man & Avengers 2-Pack

As someone who’s still living off the rush and excitement of No Way Home, I know I’m not the only one who needs more Spidey in their lives. Further, this 2-pack comes with the chibi-style Avengers art to paint! Blame it on my obsession with anime but chibi art makes my heart swoon. I mean, tiny Vision is just SO precious. Most importantly, you paint these using only water which means hours of easy, mess-free fun!

Mario Paint and Sticker Set image

Mario Paint Set & More

I’m gonna go way off topic for a second but bare with me. So, is it wrong that my favorite part of this isn’t even the paint or the paint sheets (which are great!), but the lovely assortment of stickers that comes with it? I know that’s not the topic for today but still they’re really lovely. And, hey, that means extra ways to jazz up the paint sheets! Hard to be mad about that.

Painting Ideas for Beginners: Watercolor Wonders Painting Kit photo

Watercolor Wonders

How about we talk about something magical now. First, Watercolor Wonders comes with everything you need to begin your child’s journey with painting. That means, 7 colors of paint, a premium paintbrush, pages and pages of art. Second, and here’s the magical part, blank spaces on the pages, when painted over, reveal invisible ink art! Making for a fun and surprising good time.

Ideas for Kids

Lisa Frank Paint with Water Book Cover and Page Examples image

Lisa Frank: Paint w/ Water Book

As someone who grew up in the 2000’s and was pretty much obsessed with every facet of Lisa Frank’s existence (I’m talking folders, pencil cases, and stickers galore), seeing this took me straight back to my childhood. With this be careful, take your time, and use gentle brushstrokes; don’t be me! Too much water at once can make your painting a sloppy gray disaster.

Simba DIY Funko Pop in Box photo

Simba DIY Funko Pop

I’ve been seeing these types of Funko Pops for a while. Mind you, they have actually a whole set of these beauties and a pretty decent range too. Also, not all of them are Disney characters, like good ol’ Simba here. There’s also the Sanrio icon herself Hello Kitty. Truly, I think what’s good about these is that they’re simple yet full of possibility. Which I’ll discuss again in a moment. So keep up, it’s just getting good!

Batman DIY Half-Mask photo

Batman DIY Half-Mask

As a Batman stan, every time the caped crusader comes into my life, in any shape or form, I get so happy. Much like the Funko above, how you decorate this is entirely up to you. Follow whatever vision you see fit because the pssibilities are limited only by your imagination. Or to be super cheesy about it: “Holy paint splatters, Batman, this makes a fun afternoon activity!”

Painting Ideas for Beginners: Avengers Paint by Numbers Kit Box photo

Avengers Paint-by-Numbers Kit

You may have noticed that I have two Avengers items on this list. Don’t judge me, judge the MCU for making me love them so much! Besides, I love the fact this comes with not only detailed art but instructions on the various shading and color mixing techniques needed to help make your project look amazing. When you’re done, you and your kids can hang it up, and say, “Hey we did that!” 

Bob Ross By the Numbers Min Canvas Kit Box and Contents photo

Bob Ross Minis

No list of painting ideas for beginners would be complete without the icon himself, one of the most soothing artists ever, the OG of ASMR, Bob Ross. Remember, it’s okay to make happy accidents and to always be gentle with your strokes. I know you might get a little excited wanting to see the picture come together, but it’s important to take your time. Enjoy the process, and if you make a mistake, it’s nothing freak out about. Have fun! 

Ideas for Teens

Painting Ideas for Beginners: Disney Princesses Paint by Numbers Kit Contents photo

Disney Princesses Paint-by-Numbers

I’ve voiced this in the past, but I have such  unbreakable love for the Disney princesses. And I’ll go live on that hill forever! Which is why when I saw this, I was taken aback. It’s stunning, and I’m absolutely drooling over the stained glass window look. Perfection! It works so well and makes for a nice calming paint-by-numbers concept. To be honest, I find it therapeutic. 

Painting Ideas for Beginners: DIY Funko Pop Figure Male in Box photo

Blank Slate DIY Funko Pop

I told you’d we’d be talking about these lovelies again. Now, the possibility isn’t limited to a pre-made design. First, check out the female version here, if your prefer. I’ve seen so many people take these figures and turn them into amazing figures. If you’re willing, branch out into clay sculpting for hair and any other details you want to add. That will obviously add new layers of depth to your creation. To be clear, this requires more than a few simple coats of paint. For sculpting, check out this YouTube tutorial to grab some tips

Todoroki Shoto Paint by Number Kit Contents photo

Todoroki Shoto

I’ve been seeing this type of glass painting everywhere lately, especially among the anime community. So, it felt right to add it to the list. At this point, I feel like fate is telling me to just try it and see. I mean, I guess I could mess it up, but at least this kit comes with tips and tricks to make it easier to do right. Want a more in depth look at the process? Check out this YouTube tutorial.

Painting Ideas for Beginners: Totoro Paint by Numbers Kit Contents and Completed Painting Example photo

Totoro Paint-by-Numbers Canvas

It doesn’t need to be said that Studio Ghibli is and will forever remain an iconic animation studio. The movies they create live in my heart, and every time someone celebrates this in any shape or form, I feel such a sense of joy—whether that be official merch, fan merch, fan art, or, now, paint-by-numbers. Personally, this is on my pick-up list. Maybe, it’s Haku in his dragon form snuggling Totoro that does it for me. 

Painting Ideas for Beginners: Postmodern Paint by Numbers Darth Vader photo

Postmodern Paint-by-Numbers Darth Vader

Finally, on our list of Painting Ideas for Beginners, it’s time to show the original space daddy some love. Not only is this painting eye-catching, but believe it or not, it’s also paint-by-numbers! Further, it comes with all the paints and brushes you need to knock this painting out of our galaxy and into a galaxy far, far away. So, give into your feelings, reach out with the Force, and get this today!

The post Painting Ideas for Beginners by Age appeared first on Nerdy With Children.


March 6, 2022

Best Baby Toys for 6 to 12 months

http://geekbabyclothes.com/best-baby-toys-for-6-to-12-months/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=best-baby-toys-for-6-to-12-months

Stimulate your developing infant’s senses with these baby toys for 6 to 12 months!

Infant Playing with Fisher Price Gaming Controller photo

The 6 months to 12 months stage in infant growth is amazing! There’s a lot going on, including first steps and first words. As personalities develop, it’s fun to see their humor and interests blossom. Most toys for this age group encourage discovery, visualization, and learning. In addition, and probably most importantly, baby toys for 6 to 12 months can withstand chewing and lots of saliva due to the teething process that typically occurs during this exciting time. At this stage, they also learn how their hands work, along with cause and effect, making mental stimulation a must.

For more toy suggestions for infants, such as teethers and rattles, check out our list of the best baby toys for 0 to 6 months!

Now then, let’s have some fun!

Electronic Baby Toys for 6 to 12 Months

Electronics have shifted how we learn and play. Infants at this stage are fascinated by flashing lights, sounds, and bright colors. From learning the alphabet to just keeping busy, electronic baby toys for 6 to 12 months can help entertain or educate your little one during this crucial stage of growth.

Baby Toys for 6 to 12 months: Fisher Price Learning Bot photo

Learning Bot

This adorable robot grows with your child with its different stimulation and education levels. The robot is actually made of three separate robots, each with their own function, and can be stacked together or broken apart. Not only does it boost learning the alphabet, shapes, and numbers, but it’s also motorized, so it moves around, encouraging your new crawler to chase after it for stimulating physical play.

Baby Toys for 6 to 12 months: I Learn, I Play Musical Turtle photo

Musical Turtle

This turtle is so much more than meets the eye (no it’s not a Transformer, sorry to disappoint). First, this turtle supports bilingual learning, with English and Spanish. Second, this toy moves around to encourage crawling as well. In addition, turning and tapping are primary skills that are used to fine-tune motor functions. Lastly, the turtle shell lights up with shapes, alphabets, and numbers to encourage learning throughout the toddler phase as well.

VTech Light-up Touch Tablet in Box photo

Light-Up Touch Tablet

Tablets are becoming a huge must-have nowadays. Instead of risking it with your own tablet, babies can now have their very own educational tablet. In addition to featuring letter learning, shapes, numbers, words, and songs, it also has pretend apps. Little ones can check e-mails and look up the weather, so that they can “work” alongside mom and dad.

Baby Toys for 6 to 12 Months: Fisher Price Game & Learn Controller in Box photo

Game & Learn Controller

Have you ever seen or been the parent that gives their kid an unconnected controller to make them think they’re also playing? Well, now you can channel your infant’s inner geek with this mock gaming controller. Certainly, the controller encourages learning, but the most impressive part to me is how accurate the controller is, with its D-pad, joystick, face buttons, and even a right trigger button!

VTech Tuch and Swipe Baby Phone photo

Smart Phone

Like a regular smartphone, this baby toy has several apps that provide learning and social stimulation. Further, the 12 different apps engage your child as they learn the basics, such as numbers, alphabets, and words. Children can also pretend to call home, helping with safe imaginative play. They can also sing along with numerous melodies or listen to instrumental songs (kind of like what adults hear when they’re put on hold). Finally, this phone comes in blue, orange, or pink. Choose wisely!

Baby Toys for 6 to 12 months: Fisher Price Laugh & Learn Lil' Gamer Toy photo

Laugh & Learn Lil’ Gamer

If you decide to opt-out of the more modern controller or smartphone, you have the option to go retro with this mock Game Boy toy. I’m not talking about a Game Boy Advance either. This duplicates the original Game Boy that even our parents had the pleasure of playing, but with a full color image rather than four shades of green pixels. With cute aspects such as a pretend cartridge and a Tetris-like slider on the side, you can bet your last 1-Up that your little geek will be entertained! 

Baby Toys for 6 to 12: Elephant Piano image

Elephant Piano

This easy to hold elephant piano is great for those looking for extra-musical modes while also building fine motor skills with the piano keys. In addition, this features different modes that include nursery rhymes and animal noises. Further, each key has a different note and also a different color to help young ones with auditory and color recognition.

VTech Wiggle and Crawl Ball Baby Toy in Box photo

Wiggle and Crawl Ball

This toy is the gold standard in helping your child master crawling. The ball wiggles and rolls around while playing 45 different melodies, sounds, and phrases. Children can press, spin, slide, and twist the animal buttons to learn about different animals and help develop their fine motor skills. Lastly, it comes in two different multicolor options: red and yellow or pink and purple.

Baby Toys for 6 to 12 months: Fisher Price 123 Schoolbook photo

123 Schoolbook

Prep your little nerds with the ultimate school-training toy. First, this notebook comes complete with a baby calculator and ruler. Next, it’s teaches the alphabet, shapes, numbers, colors, the weather, and even has a built-in Spanish mode. Lastly, the little gadgets strengthen your child’s fine motor skills. With tons of stuff going on, your baby will have a blast while learning!

Non-Electronic Baby Toys

Although lights, noises, and movement can fascinate babies, there are times when kids need to play quietly, or with toys that don’t require batteries. The best thing about this stage in infancy is that children are constantly learning and will play with anything that they can get their hands on. So, why not turn that curiosity into learning?

Set of Sensory Blocks, Balls, and Animal Toys for Infants (Contents and Container) photo

Sensory Toys

Not only do you get blocks and balls, but you also get toy animals and stacking cups. All parts are made with BPA-free, food grade material, so, they can be used for teething and bath toys. The ten multicolored blocks are made with learning in mind, as they have different numbers, animals and patterns on each side. The stacking cups are also great for motor skill development.

Baby Einstein Zebra Activity Toy photo

Zebra Activity Toy

What’s better than a toy that entertain babies at home? Toys that can entertain on the go as well. This Baby Einstein clip-on zebra can go wherever a stroller or car seat goes. In addition, the developmental parts of the zebra include a mirror, a see-thru rattle, and various textures and crinkle sounds to stimulate your baby’s senses.

Farm Tails Crinkle Soft Book for Babies photo

Animal Tails Soft Book

These adorable baby books talk about the tails of various animals. Choose from three options: jungle, farm, or rainforest. Further, these crinkle books are easy to clean (important because we all know how books can get around babies). In addition, there’s also a velcro strap for strollers or car seats for when you want to bring the tail stories with you.

Suction Cup Spinner Rattles with Box (set of 3) photo

Suction Cup Spinner Rattles

With the emergence of fidget spinners, we introduce to you the ultimate baby spinner. These cute toys have a suction cup to stick on any window. Babies use their hands to spin the toy around, developing motor skills, and getting sensory stimulation. Further, they come in a three pack with a carrot, a bee, and the Sun.

Dinosaur Sensory Block for Babies photo

Dinosaur Sensory Block

You really can’t go wrong with this sensory block. Each side of the cube is a different texture fabric, including an ultra soft minky side and a crinkle material side. A wooden teething ring and ribbons and tags of various textures provide even more sensory fun!

Active Play Baby Toys for 6 to 12 Months

This stage in life is all about groundwork and transitioning to upright. From tummy-time, sitting, crawling, and first steps, you are sure to be able to find a play mat on here that will grab your baby’s attention during this important time of development.

Want more great ways to keep your little one physically and mentally active? Swing on over to our list of the top activity cubes, activity centers, and more!

Baby Toys for 6 to 12 months: Large Play Mat on Nursery Floor photo

Large Play Mat

First, this play mat is a whopping 44 inches x 58 inches! Second, its material makes it easy to fold and moved to whatever room in the house you need. Also, it’s non-slip, for safe play with babies and parents no matter what kind of floors you have. In addition, the mat features all sorts of colorful and fun designs, including animals, letters, and fruits. This means you can use the mat for teaching even into the toddler stage.

Foldable Play Pen for Kids Box and Contents photo

Foldable Playpen / Ball Pit

And, unlike other playpens, this one isn’t made with mesh, gauze, or wires. That means, the sides are studier and don’t collapse easily. Further, it measures 47” in diameter and boasts holding 1000 balls, if it is used for a ball pit (here’s a bag of 400 to get you started). Lastly, it’s easily foldable and comes with a carrying bag for convenience.

Baby Toys for 6 to 12 months: Carter's Sweet Surprise Infant Activity Gym photo

Sweet Surprise Activity Gym

This super adorable activity mat is giving me Candy Crush vibes. The donut shaped mat along with a popsicle pillow for the head rest is just too sweet (pun fully intended). Plus, the developmental toys (an ice cream cone, pretzel, lollipop, cupcake, and a unicorn with a teether attached) are all delightful. However, if this sweet, sugary look isn’t your thing, you also have the option of getting it in an equally adorable safari theme.

Infant Crawling on a Piano Play Mat for Kids with Box and Added Musical Notes image

Piano Play Mat

This mat features a piano keyboard for little ones just learning to crawl or walk. It includes tunes, animal sounds, and numbers. Most important, there’s an automatic shutoff for battery conservation and a volume control for the days that you really don’t need to be blasting baby Beethoven throughout the house. Finally, it’s easy to fold and carry around, so you can bring it anywhere.

Foam and Vinyl Climber with Tunnel for Kids photo

Foam Climber

Brightly colored and soft, this is a wonderful way to develop your child’s motor skills. Great for crawlers and early walkers to practice on without fear of bumps and bruises (adult supervision is required of course). Plus, your child can play with this all through their toddler years too. In addition, it features vegan leather and is Greenguard Gold Certified.

The post Best Baby Toys for 6 to 12 months appeared first on Geek Baby Clothes.


March 6, 2022

The Cast and Crew of ‘Turning Red’ Discuss the “Coming-of-Age” Genre

https://blackgirlnerds.com/the-cast-and-crew-of-turning-red-discuss-the-coming-of-age-genre/

BGN interviews the team behind the Disney/Pixar film Turning Red.

Featured in the interviews are: Domee Shi (director), Lindsey Collins (producer), Sandra Oh (Ming Lee), and Rosalie Chiang (Meilin Lee). Disney and Pixar’s Turning Red introduces Mei Lee, a confident, dorky 13-year-old torn between staying her mother’s dutiful daughter and the chaos of adolescence. Her protective, if not slightly overbearing mother, Ming, is never far from her daughter—an unfortunate reality for the teenager. And as if changes to her interests, relationships, and body weren’t enough, whenever she gets too excited (which is practically ALWAYS), she “poofs” into a giant red panda!

Streaming exclusively on Disney+ beginning March 11, 2022, Disney and Pixar’s Turning Red is directed by Academy Award® winner Domee Shi (Pixar short “Bao”) and produced by Lindsey Collins (Finding Dory).

Interviewer: Jeandra LeBeauf

Video Editor: Jamie Broadnax


March 5, 2022

Solo Travel Safety Tips for WOC From a Community of Solo Travelers

https://blackgirlnerds.com/solo-travel-safety-tips-for-woc-from-a-community-of-solo-travelers/


Solo travel can be exhilarating and also terrifying. Instagram and YouTube are great resources for travel inspiration, but they often only show the glamorous side. With misogyny being a global problem, women face many barriers when solo traveling. Yet on top of worrying about strange men, women of color often have to face racism and bigotry. Therefore, community is so important when it comes to solo traveling. This might sound like a contradiction, yet the concept of community has become a part of the solo travel experience. One person who understands this importance is Sheldon Louis. As featured in TravelNoire, he created the Solo Traveler Group on WhatsApp. An invite-only group with over 150 members is a virtual space where travelers from all walks of life can give each other support as they cross the globe.

Sheldon Louis

Born in Florida and of Caribbean descent, traveling was something Louis grew up with and is an integral part of his life. Through an exchange of emails, Sheldon and BGN discussed the conversations around safety he’s seen in his travel group.

Tell me about your WhatsApp group. How and why did you start it, and how have you seen it help travelers, particularly female travelers? 

I started this group because I felt there was a need for a real-time community for solo travelers, and I didn’t see one for us. I’ve seen the group help travelers in a multitude of ways, especially for female travelers. The idea of traveling alone might be uneasy or scary for women, and this group has helped eliminate some of that fear. For instance, someone in the group created a super useful doc where people can voluntarily share their upcoming travel plans to connect and meet up with other travelers.

What makes your group different from other Facebook groups, Telegram groups, etc.?

The main difference with this group (compared to other travel groups on Facebook and Telegram) is that real-time interactions and conversations are at the forefront of the Solo Travel group. This makes communication among group members seamless, despite them being in different regions or time zones. Other platforms and groups focus on content, while this one focuses on communication.

What are some common challenges you’ve seen addressed in the group, especially for WOC?  

One common challenge I’ve seen addressed in the group, especially for WOC, is the discomfort that comes with traveling alone. A perfect example is when one WOC solo traveler openly asked if anyone wanted to go to India in the spring. She shared that she was kind to head to India alone as a woman. Her openness led to another woman in the group saying that she’d be interested in joining along. This is what it’s all about with creating a community like this, open communication, and making solo travel easier for everyone.

Tell us about some of the conversations around the safety of female-identifying solo travelers?

There have been some valuable conversations as it relates to overall safety, especially for female-identifying solo travelers. One recurring conversation, in particular, is the hotel vs. Airbnb question. This topic was brought up when someone asked if booking an Airbnb as a first-time solo traveler was the right move.

Some WOC solo travelers share their personal travel experiences, both good and bad. One solo traveler, in particular, shared how much harassment she faced in a country she traveled to as a WOC traveler, and it helped shed light on the topic and country. This resulted in people sharing recommendations, like hiring a trusted tour guide and getting a driver. On the contrary, other solo travelers have shared positive experiences they’ve had in countries as well. 

There are conversations centered on tips when traveling solo especially as a WOC, such as being aware of your surroundings, not having tons of flashy jewelry or an expensive smartphone, not hanging out of a window while you’re in a vehicle, etc.

Going beyond the information that Louis has shared, having a place for female travelers to share the ugly side of traveling alone can be incredibly healing. When a scary or even traumatic moment happens abroad, it can be easy to slip into isolation. Thinking you’re the only one that moment has happened to. Knowing you are not alone in a struggle is the ultimate source of empowerment.

What are some common safety tips you’ve seen shared in the group?

  1. Don’t tell people you’re traveling alone.
  2. Know a few different routes to/from wherever you’re staying
  3. Know where emergency services are, especially hospitals/pharmacies.
  4. Always check the license plate before getting in an uber.
  5. Make connections with the host or hotel personnel and ensure you meet them during your trip.
  6. Consider using the STEP program for US citizens abroad.
  7. Get travel insurance for the year or for an upcoming trip.
  8. Look up the address and area of your hotel or Airbnb accommodation. Reading previous/recent reviews.

What are three of the most important things WOC should remember when they take a trip?

(1) Do your research. It’s important to ask yourself questions like, “Has this country/ location been a problem for other WOC in the past? Are there any current safety risks happening in this particular location? Is dress code a factor in this country, or does it not matter as much?”

(2) Be visible/vocal
. Always let someone you trust know what your plans are and where you’re going.

(3) Basic is sometimes better.When you dress too fancy or extremely different from the culture or population, you can become an easy target for scammers. I am guilty of being sometimes “too fresh or flashy”, and I have to remind myself that it’s better to tone it down. Avoid appearing like a tourist and leave the valuables at home.

What’s been the best part of creating and managing your Whatsapp group?

The best part about creating and managing my WhatsApp group is the discourse and the growing companionship. I love how the solo traveler group has become an open forum where people start conversations on numerous topics or ask general questions. For instance, some people ask for recommendations about upcoming countries they’re planning to visit, some people share their upcoming travel plans to see if anyone else will be in the area. The group really has taken on a life of its own.

Overall, I want people to know that this group is an open space and a judgment-free zone. The idea of traveling alone can sometimes be daunting and a barrier for people, especially for those who are WOC and/or LGBTQ+. 

My goal with this group is to make that idea or decision a “not so hard one” for current and aspiring solo travelers, especially those who identify as WOC. The group is invite-only, but if anyone is interested in joining, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me on Instagram, @swipeszn! 


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